NHS encouraging people to use 111 service this winter
The NHS is encouraging people to get to the help they need by using NHS 111 as new data released by Surrey Heartlands shows that 82% of those surveyed who had contacted 111 said their call was answered quickly and 72% said that they received the help and advice they required.
NHS 111 can assess and direct people to the most appropriate local service, including urgent treatment centres, GP practices, and consultations with a pharmacist. And, if needed, it can arrange a call back from a nurse, doctor or paramedic.
Over 800 people were surveyed as part of Surrey Heartlands’ Citizens Panel sample research to help with winter planning preparations. The Citizens Panel is a representative sample of residents from across Surrey who volunteer to take part in online engagement activities to help local NHS services understand residents’ views and ideas on an important range of issues.
READ MORE: Surrey told to 'prepare for winter flooding' with eight alerts issued across county
Only 11% of those surveyed said they had accessed the service via the 111 NHS website. The majority of those who had reported using the NHS 111 service in the last year were over 65 years old.
With national statistics showing that up to two-fifths of A&E attendances are avoidable or could be better treated elsewhere, the NHS is encouraging the public to use the 111 service when they have an urgent but non-life-threatening medical need.
Dr Charlotte Canniff, Joint Chief Medical Officer at NHS Surrey Heartlands said: “As we head into the coldest months, it is important now more than ever that people know what services are available so that they can receive the most appropriate care and treatment.
“At this time of year, we naturally start to see an increase in those attending A&E, many of whom could receive the care they need in the community or via another NHS service. This isn’t about telling people not to go to A&E, it’s about educating the public and ensuring they are utilising the right service for their health needs.
“NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is a critical service that appropriately assesses and directs people to the right place for them.”
People should still call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency – when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
You can call, go online or use the NHS App to get:
the right healthcare in your area
a call back from a nurse, doctor or paramedic
advice on self-care.
People should call 111 to speak to someone if they need to:
discuss complex medical problems
discuss worries about a long-term condition; or
get medical advice for a child under five.
For more information, visit the NHS England website.